Hi All
I looking for somewhere to leave Nautilus for 6 months and as I'm in the Whitsundays a friend mentioned Bowen as a cheaper option. I've not been able to find out much info on it as yet. Seems its run by Transport QLD.
Anyone have first-hand knowledge?
Thanks
>Vernon
Select to expand quoteDexport said..
Hi All
I looking for somewhere to leave Nautilus for 6 months and as I'm in the Whitsundays a friend mentioned Bowen as a cheaper option. I've not been able to find out much info on it as yet. Seems its run by Transport QLD.
Anyone have first-hand knowledge?
Thanks
>Vernon
Mango's are good mate....
Select to expand quoteDexport said..
Seems its run by Transport QLD.
Maritime Safety Queensland and the Department of Transport and Main Roads are still run by humans. Just give them a ring. I am sure you will find them quite helpful.
Bowen Harbour has marina berths, pile berths and in the side basin has or used to have fore and aft mooring berths.
Yes I do have first hand knowledge of Bowen Harbour but it was in 1995. Prices may have changed but I think the infrastructure is about the same. Unless the financially failed marina developments at Airlie Beach have drastically reduced their prices I am sure Bowen Harbour will be the most economical place to desert your yacht.
Of one thing I am absolutely sure and that is if a cyclone hits your yacht will be safer in Bowen than Airlie Beach.
I hope that info helps your decision making.
What about Mackay marina? It's at the southern end of the Whitsundays.
Unfortunately I don't have first hand experience. I just know of it.
Expensive ? Don't know.
Protected in a cyclone ? Don't know.
Secure from low lifes like vandals and thieves? Probably.
Select to expand quotezilla said..
What about Mackay marina?
Expensive ? Don't know.
Yes. Very.
However,......It seems that there are many yachts for sale because people do not want to pay the costs of keeping them in marinas. Hence, yachts for sale cheap.
It is hard to believe the number of yachts being sold for peanuts or being surrendered to yacht yards for rent owing.
The flow down to marina businesses is, will they accept lower rates to maintain viability??
Yeah I've been thinking that too. Mackay is hurting because of the mining industry slump and half the boats in the marina are for sale. Ive heard of some boats being practically given away as the owner can't pay the marina costs. But who's going to pay to stay in the marina afterwards? Their prices are pretty high considering its not the most attractive spot and they were completely unfriendly. I asked if there would be any sort of discount as I'd be leaving Nautilus there for 7 months, wouldn't be using power or water and could pay up everything in advance, nope, can't do anything for you.
Another option in Magnetic Island, nice place, safe harbour and around $500 per month.
Yes the price I received a few weeks ago for a 12m mono berth at Mackay Marina was $10,326 per year. A 10m mono berth is $7,514 per year.
These are not small figures. I don't know how that compares to other east coast marinas.
Anyone know of costs for Airlie Beach marinas?
It doesn't tell you how much but it does give a contact number to get a quote for a berth at Abel point marina Airlie Beach,
www.coralseamarina.com/marina-news/per-metre-berth-rates-introduced-a-new-berth-for-abell-point-marina/
On you tube a sailor was on the piles said it was 7 times less than the cost at Airlie he didn't say that actual cost but that where I'd be heading
Don't forget cyclone season just the same
I payed for a private berth in Airlie beach I recall about $250 per week. Townsville breakwater Marina $200 per week , consttuusion dock in Tassie $100 per week. And now $60 per week in South Oz. in fact I think South oz has the cheapest marinas in Australia.
P.s the Marina in Magnetic island always appealed to me but you have to take in the cost of the ferry which was not so cheap.
http://www.cruisinganchoragesaustralia.com.au/Files/Bowen%20QLD.pdf
activecaptain.com/quickLists/marina.php?name=Bowen_Harbour_Australia&i=328294772
the-nicolls.blogspot.com.au/2011/10/goodbye-whitsundays-hello-bowen.html
www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f23/reasonable-cost-hardstand-or-berthing-whitsundays-28339.html
www.legislation.qld.gov.au/LEGISLTN/CURRENT/T/TransInfPuMR11.pdf
Abelpoint Marina is $75 per day and I guess a bit cheaper if you book a week at a time. Too pricey for me though as I need something for 7 months.
Talked to Bowen today, its $64 per week on a fore -aft pile mooring. I think its even safer there than Airlie as well regarding hurricanes etc. Not sure about vandals/thieves though. I'll go up there next week and check it all out.
I recall the delos crew left delos in bundaberg up river on the hard for about a year. Might be cheap?
Select to expand quoteDexport said..
Abelpoint Marina is $75 per day and I guess a bit cheaper if you book a week at a time. Too pricey for me though as I need something for 7 months.
Talked to Bowen today, its $64 per week on a fore -aft pile mooring. I think its even safer there than Airlie as well regarding hurricanes etc. Not sure about vandals/thieves though. I'll go up there next week and check it all out.
Bowen piles at $64/week is as good as it gets north of Maryborough. I don't think you will have problems with vandals/thieves. It is not isolated and the community is not large. Try to get a berth in the west row (marina side). It is well exposed visually and I think the car park has bright floodlighting.
Even if a cyclone went right over the top of Bowen I doubt there would be much damage in the small boat harbour.
